SEC should add Texas A&M, Texas

DESTIN, Fla. — The SEC finds itself in an enviable position considering the nature of the national college athletics landscape. It’s one of the Big Boys, perhaps the biggest of the Big Boys.

That’s based on reputation, financial stability, competition, TV revenue and exposure, the talent level of its athletes and coaches, fan base and good, old-fashioned perception. So when other leagues talk about possible expansion, the SEC doesn’t have to join in the conversation. It’s sitting pretty right where it is.

Tommy HicksBut that doesn’t mean the league shouldn’t consider adding a couple of teams to its roster.

In fact, right now might be the time to do just that. Commissioner Mike Slive says the SEC will be “strategic and thoughtful” in how it approaches possible expansion, adding that the subject will be discussed again today when the league’s presidents and athletics directors meet. But he has refused to comment on the subject beyond the “strategic and thoughtful” considerations, adding it’s difficult to discuss such matters when there’s a new story or rumored move every day.

The thinking among SEC officials seems to be if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That philosophy makes sense. But when it seems a certainty there will be movement of some kind by at least two leagues, the Pac-10 and Big Ten, in regard to expansion, perhaps there should be some consideration toward being proactive.

The best way to do that is by looking west and seeing if Texas and Texas A&M would be interested in moving into the neighborhood.

It’s the most logical move. It adds two solid programs..

Alabama and the Longhorns played for the national football title last season. Texas and LSU’s baseball teams met in the title game of the College World Series. LSU and A&M have had a long-standing rivalry and Texas-Arkansas may have been the best rivalry in the old Southwest Conference.

Alabama fans need not be reminded that former football coaches Bear Bryant and Gene Stallings, who both led the Crimson Tide to national titles, have strong A&M ties. Auburn football coach Gene Chizik used to be a member of the Texas staff. It all fits, it all makes sense and it would work.

Why wait on other leagues to make the first move? If the SEC added Texas and Texas A&M to its lineup, it would add strength, stability and a lot of other pluses to a league that’s already pretty darn good.